COMU4001: Preliminary Proposal Senior Thesis 1

Assignment Overview

A thesis proposal outlines a student’s understanding of relevant and current issues related to their proposed research inquiry. The full proposal, which is due on December 5th, will also contain specific details about a student’s theoretical framework, intended methodology, and data analysis plan. The successful completion of the thesis proposal is a requirement for progression to Thesis 2 (CYC 4200). Students in this fourth-year course are expected to integrate course readings and other current peer-reviewed sources in this and other thesis assignments.

Specific Submission Requirements

• The assignment will be between 5-7 pages – double-spaced. This does not include the cover page or references.
• Use APA 7 th edition for formatting and citation.
• Submit to Blackboard by the indicated due date.

The Use of Generative AI in this Course

Students in this fourth-year course are expected to be able to think critically about their research topics and produce scholarly work on their own. That being said, there may be times when students may require assistance from AI to outline ideas or refine their draft. In these cases, students must include the AI tool they used in their Reference list along with how and where it was used in their work.

Introduction 

• This is going to be the shortest section of the thesis, but it is nonetheless very important, as it clearly identifies the topic and reasoning behind the study.
• Components: Begin with a “hook” or an attention-garnering sentence to entice the reader
  • A concise presentation of the research topic and its significance in relation to the CYC and adjacent fields 
  • A concise indication of the research problem, aims, and objectives = what you are proposing to study 
  • A clear inclusion of the research question(s)
• Remember to include at least 2 sources in this section and cite using APA 7th edition formatting.

Proposal Development Task 1: Formulating Your Research Questions

1. What is the pressing issue in the field of CYC that you are drawn to investigate? Here, you can identify specific needs, gaps, and/or emerging problems of practice in the field.

In the field of Child and Youth Care (CYC), supporting the communication and learning skills of students with ASD is a pressing issue. While visual support materials are widely recommended, there is limited research specifically on the effectiveness and accessibility of publicly available visual supports for elementary school students.

2. Why are you drawn to this CYC issue? Please elaborate with specific reference to relevant factors that may include your lived experiences, academic insights, or work in the field.

I am drawn to this issue because of both my academic studies and my professional experiences working children with ASD. I have observed how visual supports can reduce anxiety, enhance communication, and promote independence. At the same time, I have noticed challenges in teachers’ and families’ ability to access and effectively use these supports. This makes the issue personally and professionally meaningful for me.

3. What is the research question that you are proposing for your thesis study? 

My proposed research question is: “How do publicly available visual support materials support communication and learning skills in elementary school students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?”

4. How does your proposed research question reflect the foundational principles of CYC, such as relational practice, equity/anti-oppression, and advocacy? What specific and meaningful improvements or innovations could it inspire for children, youth, and/or families? Be realistic.

Assessment Requirements Summary

The thesis proposal assignment requires students to demonstrate a clear understanding of their chosen research topic, current issues, and methodological planning. The proposal serves as a foundation for progression to Thesis 2 (CYC 4200) and is expected to integrate course readings and peer-reviewed sources.

Key Requirements:

• Length: 5–7 pages (excluding cover page and references)
• Format: APA 7th edition for citations and references
• Submission: Blackboard by the due date
• Content:
  • Introduction: Concise presentation of the research topic, significance, problem statement, aims/objectives, and research questions
  • Research Questions Development: Identification of a pressing issue in CYC, rationale for selecting the issue, alignment with CYC foundational principles, and articulation of research question(s)
  • Theoretical Framework, Methodology, and Data Analysis Plan: Clear outline of intended research approach
  • Sources: Integration of at least two scholarly references in the introduction and relevant literature throughout

Use of AI: Students may use AI tools for idea development or refining drafts but must cite tools appropriately in the reference list.

Mentor-Guided Approach

The academic mentor guided the student through the thesis proposal process in a step-by-step manner:

1. Topic Identification & Introduction Development:

   • Mentor Guidance: Encouraged the student to craft a compelling “hook” to engage readers and clearly define the research problem, aims, objectives, and significance.
   • Action: Student framed the study around supporting communication and learning skills of elementary students with ASD, emphasizing the significance in the CYC field and its practical impact.
   • Outcome: A concise, focused introduction that sets the stage for the research question and demonstrates relevance to professional practice.

2. Formulating Research Questions:

   • Mentor Guidance: Directed the student to identify gaps in existing research and consider personal and professional experiences to justify the study.
   • Action: Student articulated a primary research question: “How do publicly available visual support materials support communication and learning skills in elementary school students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?”
   • Outcome: The research question directly reflects CYC principles such as relational practice, advocacy, and equity, highlighting potential improvements for children, youth, and families.

3. Theoretical Framework & Literature Integration:

   • Mentor Guidance: Advised on selecting an appropriate theoretical framework and integrating relevant scholarly sources to justify the research focus.
   • Action: Student reviewed literature on ASD, visual supports, and communication strategies, aligning the study with evidence-based practices.
   • Outcome: Clear linkage of research problem to established theories and current practice, supporting the rationale for the proposed study.

4. Methodology & Data Analysis Planning:

   • Mentor Guidance: Provided structure for outlining proposed research methods, data collection strategies, and planned analysis.
   • Action: Student detailed intended qualitative or mixed-method approaches, ensuring feasibility and ethical considerations.
   • Outcome: Methodology section demonstrates preparedness to conduct rigorous research while adhering to professional standards.

5. Review and Feedback:

   • Mentor Guidance: Offered iterative feedback on clarity, coherence, and APA formatting, ensuring alignment with academic expectations.
   • Outcome: Final draft met word count, APA standards, and submission guidelines, providing a strong foundation for Thesis 2.

Learning Objectives Covered

Through this assessment, the student achieved the following:

• Developed a focused research question grounded in CYC practice and theory.
• Applied critical thinking to connect personal experiences, professional insights, and scholarly literature.
• Demonstrated understanding of thesis proposal structure, including introduction, theoretical framework, methodology, and data analysis plan.
• Practiced academic writing and APA formatting in a scholarly context.
• Reflected on ethical considerations and the real-world impact of research in the CYC field.

Final Outcome: The student produced a well-structured, evidence-informed thesis proposal that clearly identifies a research gap, aligns with professional standards, and demonstrates readiness to progress to the next stage of the thesis.

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